After ten years of inaction on a defective ignition-switch, GM has brought high-level executives to answer for the debacle. This year has seen a massive recall for the automaker. Popular small car models, like the Chevrolet Cobalt and the Saturn Ion, have fallen victim to the defective part that shuts down the engine, disables airbags and power-assisted steering and causes drivers to lose control of their vehicles. At least 13 people have died and several others have been injured. With the results of an internal probe released, GM is trying to remedy the mistakes of the past.
The official word from the internal probe is that there is no pattern of incompetence and neglect within GM. Chief executive Mary Barra stated that if the critical information about the ignition was made known to high level management in the company, something would have been done. During a town hall meeting with employees, Barra urged them to report future problems to their supervisors.
Fifteen employees were fired after the probe was completed. Several others were reprimanded. GM has agreed to create a compensation fund for victims of the defect. However, no further details have been released concerning how the fund will operate and when it will begin.
Consumers who own GM vehicles in the state of Louisiana should pay close attention to any future announcements from the company. Anyone who has been injured by a GM vehicle or other defective product has the right to seek compensation for their injuries. A product liability lawsuit could aid injured consumers.
Source: www.abajournal.com, “GM cites pattern of incompetence, fires 15 including legal execs, will pay ignition-switch victims,” Martha Neil, June 5, 2014
